December 22, 2014
Marian Shrine E-Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue 21
Fr. Jim McKenna

The practice of giving presents at Christmas time is so ancient that it is hard to know when exactly it started. One tradition is that it began with St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myria in Lycia in Asia Minor, modern Turkey. Following his shining example, the practice of sharing gifts spread to the whole Christian world, especially at Christmas when we recall God's generous gift to us of his Son. The Christmas spirit of goodwill is now evident far beyond the frontiers of Christianity.

'It is more blessed to give than to receive' (Acts 20:35). Christmas generosity is surely an indication that these words attributed to Jesus by St. Paul have made their way into many hearts. The best gift that anyone can give another, at Christmas or indeed at any other time, is good example. Parents should give it to their children, priests to their parishioners and teachers to their pupils. It is far more important than any good advice and more helpful than any material gift. There is no substitute for it. It is not putting on an act but it is simply a manifestation of who we are. For a Christian, this means living according to the lights and graces we have received. For a Catholic, a step in this direction at Christmas is to attend Mass and prepare for it by celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation (going to Confession)

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There is a deep longing for the whiteness of innocence in every heart, even the most sullied. Without it there is no peace. On the first Christmas night the angels proclaimed that it was on offer to all men and women of goodwill. It is there in all the Christmas carols. Years after his death, the instantly recognizable voice of Bing Crosby still haunts the airwaves of the world as he dreams about a White Christmas, the most successful single record ever produced at over 50,000,000 copies. In the warmer climes of the world people probably wonder what's so special about a White Christmas or what could possibly be meant by 'sleigh bells in the snow'.

Everyone who listens to Bing, however, can catch the nostalgia for an ideal world, regardless of geographical location, ethnic origin or religious persuasion. White is a universal symbol of innocence and purity, something every human heart has been hankering after ever since it was lost all those ages ago in a Garden. It was given back to us in another Garden. There is now no reason why 'all our Christmases cannot be white'.

The Dawn Mass on Christmas Day reminds us of this consoling truth. 'When the kindness and love of God our Savior for mankind were revealed,' it was to save us

'by means of the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit'

(cf. Titus 3: 4-7).

The Prince of Peace fulfils our deepest yearnings, movingly expressed in the prayer of King David when he realized the error of his ways. 'O purify me, then I shall be clean; O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.' (Ps. 51: 7)

We, the Salesian community of the Marian Shrine, wish you and your families and loved one's a very white and Holy Christmas.

 

God Bless you,

In Mary Help of Christians,

I remain,

Fr. Jim McKenna SDB

Director

 

 

Walking with the Church

Who wrote the Christmas carol' Silent Night'?

Silent Night was written in
1818 by an Austrian assistant priest Joseph Mohr. He was told the day before Christmas that the church organ was broken and
would not be repaired in time for Christmas Day. Saddened, he sat down to write three stanzas that could be sung by choir.  "Stille Nacht, Heilige
Nacht" was heard for the first time at that Midnight Mass in St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria.
Today, Silent Night, Holy
Night is sung in more than 180 languages by millions of people.

 

Laughter the best medicine

Tomato Story
A Jobless man applied for the position of 'janitor' at Microsoft. The HR manager interviewed him then watched him cleaning the floor as a test.

'You are employed' he said.  Give me your e-mail address and I'll send you the application to fill in, as well as date when  you may start.

The man replied 'But I don't have a computer, neither an email'.
 
'I'm sorry', said the HR manager. If you don't have an email, that means you do not exist. And who doesn't exist, cannot have the job.'

The man left with no hope at all. He didn't know what to do, with only $10 in his pocket. He then decided to go to the supermarket and buy 10 pounds of tomatoes.
 
He then sold the tomatoes going door to door. In less than two hours,he succeeded to double his capital. He repeated the operation three times,and returned home with $60.

The man realized that he could survive this way, and started to go everyday earlier, and return late. Thus, his money doubled or tripled everyday.

Shortly, he bought a cart, then a truck, and then he had his own fleet of delivery vehicles.

5 years later, the man is one of the biggest food retailers in the
US ...
 
He started to plan his family's future, and decided to have a life insurance.
 
He called an insurance broker, and chose a protection plan.
 
When the conversation was concluded the broker asked him his email.
 
The man replied,'I don't have an email.'
 
The broker answered curiously, 'You don't have an email, and yet have succeeded to build an empire. Can you imagine what you could have been if you had an e mail?!!' The man thought for a while and replied, 'Yes, I'd be an office boy at Microsoft!' 
 
THE DEVOTION OF THE THREE HAIL MARYS 

The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is a very simple yet most efficacious devotion.

Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail Marys as part of their morning and night prayers. To practice this devotion in time of danger, stress, special need or temptation, is a sure means to obtain Our Lady's help.

 

My sincere and wholehearted thanks to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, Help of Christians and Don Bosco for all the graces and favors my sons and I have received. Please keep us in your dear care and protection. Mrs. Sheila Clarke, CA 

 

Our sincere thanks to Mary Help of Christians for all the favors received through your intercession and grant us good health and peace to all our families. Ophi Rodriguez, NY

 

We are extremely grateful for the many favors received, in particular for my sons successful surgery. Jesse, FL

 


A little note:

Dear devotees of Our Lady and Don Bosco,

If you have received a miracle through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, we would like to hear from you. Email us at MaryShrine@aol.com.

 

Bookstore hours: Monday - Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays: 12 - 4 pm

 

Weekday Masses: 12 noon. Confessions on weekdays begin at 11.30 am.

Sunday Masses: 11 am and 12.30 pm

 

Other activities:  

Day Retreats, Weekend retreats, Don Bosco Summer Camp, Eucharistic Adoration, Friday night Lenten Dinners, 50/50 raffle, 350 club, Rosary Madonna Statue. Rent Lomagno Hall, Rent our Banquet Hall.

 

MEMORIES

Remember a Loved One: Engrave plaques on Wall of Memories, adopt a Tree, Engrave blocks on Walk of Honor, All Souls, All year Candle lighting, Holiday (Christmas and Easter), Flowers, Schedule a Mass, Bell Chimes.

 

MASS INTENTIONS

To offer a mass intention, please write to

Fr. Jim McKenna SDB

174 Filors Lane,

Stony Point, NY 10980

mckennasdb@yahoo.com.

 

 

In Closing

Our ministry is only possible with your help.
Visit our website: www.marianshrine.org to donate.

 

Marian Shrine

174 Filors Lane, Stony Point, NY 10980